Barbra Streisand is an iconic American singer, actress, and filmmaker, known for her immense talent, distinctive voice, and groundbreaking career spanning over six decades. Born on April 24, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, Streisand began her career in the 1960s as a nightclub singer and Broadway performer before achieving success as a recording artist.
Streisand’s powerful and versatile voice has earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, Tony Awards, and Academy Awards. She is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with albums spanning various genres such as pop, jazz, and Broadway standards.
Throughout her career, Streisand has delivered a wide range of memorable performances, both on stage and screen. She starred in iconic films such as “Funny Girl” (1968), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress, “The Way We Were” (1973), and “A Star is Born” (1976). Streisand’s contributions to film and music have solidified her status as a cultural icon and trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry.
In addition to her accomplishments as a performer, Streisand has also made her mark as a director, producer, and philanthropist, using her platform to advocate for various social and political causes. With her unparalleled talent and enduring legacy, Barbra Streisand remains one of the most influential and beloved figures in the history of entertainment.
1. You Don’t Bring Me Flowers
“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” is a duet song performed by Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond. The song was released in 1978 as a single and later appeared on their respective albums. It became a major hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and Canada.
The song’s lyrics depict a couple who have drifted apart in their relationship, with each partner lamenting the loss of romance and affection. The chorus, “You don’t bring me flowers, you don’t sing me love songs,” captures the sense of longing and disappointment experienced by both individuals.
“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” is notable for its poignant lyrics, beautiful melody, and the powerful vocal performances of Streisand and Diamond. The song resonated with listeners and became a classic ballad that continues to be beloved by audiences around the world.
2. Guilty
“Guilty” is a song performed as a duet by Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb. It was released in 1980 as the lead single from Streisand’s album of the same name, which was produced by Gibb. The song became a major hit, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries.
“Guilty” is a pop ballad with a catchy melody and romantic lyrics. The song explores themes of love, desire, and vulnerability, with Streisand and Gibb exchanging passionate vocals as they express their feelings for each other. The chorus, with its memorable hook “Guilty, guilty, reaching the very heart of me,” captures the emotional intensity of the song.
Streisand and Gibb’s chemistry and vocal harmonies contribute to the song’s appeal, making “Guilty” a timeless classic that has endured for decades. The success of the single and album solidified Streisand and Gibb’s collaboration as one of the most successful partnerships in music history.
3. The Summer Knows
“The Summer Knows” is a beautiful song composed by Michel Legrand, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. It was written for the 1971 film “Summer of ’42,” directed by Robert Mulligan. The song captures the nostalgic essence of summer, evoking memories of love and longing.
Barbra Streisand recorded a version of “The Summer Knows” for her album “ButterFly” in 1974. Streisand’s rendition of the song showcases her emotive vocals and her ability to convey the bittersweet emotions encapsulated in the lyrics.
“The Summer Knows” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, and its timeless melody and poignant lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, making it a beloved classic in the realm of romantic ballads.
4. Papa, Can You Hear Me?
“Papa, Can You Hear Me?” is a song performed by Barbra Streisand, featured in the 1983 film “Yentl,” which Streisand directed, co-wrote, produced, and starred in. The song was written by Streisand, along with Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman.
In the film, “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” serves as a poignant and emotional moment, as Streisand’s character, Yentl, grapples with the loss of her father and seeks guidance and connection with him through prayer. The song reflects Yentl’s yearning for her father’s presence and guidance, as well as her struggles with societal expectations and her desire for independence.
Streisand’s powerful vocals and the song’s haunting melody convey a sense of longing and vulnerability, making “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” one of the standout musical moments in “Yentl” and a beloved song in Streisand’s repertoire. It earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
5. Don’t Rain on My Parade
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” is a song from the musical “Funny Girl,” with music composed by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill. It was famously performed by Barbra Streisand in the original 1964 Broadway production, as well as in the 1968 film adaptation, where she reprised her role as Fanny Brice.
In the context of the musical, “Don’t Rain on My Parade” is a defiant and triumphant anthem sung by Fanny Brice as she embarks on her journey to pursue her dreams of becoming a stage performer. The song reflects Fanny’s determination to overcome obstacles and achieve success despite the naysayers and challenges she faces.
Streisand’s electrifying performance of “Don’t Rain on My Parade” became one of her signature songs and a highlight of her career. Her powerful vocals, combined with the song’s rousing melody and empowering lyrics, have made it an enduring classic that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.
6. People
“People” is a song recorded by Barbra Streisand, released as a single in 1964 and included on her album “People.” The song was written by Bob Merrill and Jule Styne for the Broadway musical “Funny Girl,” in which Streisand starred.
“People” is a poignant ballad that showcases Streisand’s powerful vocals and emotional range. The lyrics express a deep sense of longing and vulnerability, as the singer reflects on the importance of human connection and the impact that others have on our lives.
The song’s sweeping melody and lush orchestration contribute to its dramatic and heartfelt quality, making it one of Streisand’s signature songs. “People” became one of her biggest hits, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female Vocal Performance.
Over the years, “People” has become a classic of Streisand’s repertoire and a standard in the world of popular music. Its timeless message about the value of relationships and the power of love continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
7. Evergreen
“Evergreen” is a song recorded by Barbra Streisand, written by Streisand and Paul Williams, and released in 1976 as the theme song for the film “A Star is Born,” in which Streisand starred alongside Kris Kristofferson. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and has since become one of Streisand’s signature songs.
“Evergreen” is a beautiful ballad that showcases Streisand’s powerful vocals and emotional depth. The lyrics speak of enduring love and the desire for a relationship that will stand the test of time, likening it to an evergreen tree that remains green and vibrant throughout the seasons.
The song’s melody is melodic and memorable, with a sweeping orchestral arrangement that adds to its romantic and cinematic quality. “Evergreen” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of Streisand’s biggest hits.
“Evergreen” has been covered by many artists over the years and remains a classic of Streisand’s repertoire. Its timeless message about love and commitment has made it a favorite among fans and a staple of romantic ballads.
8. Memory
“Memory” is a poignant and iconic song from the musical “Cats,” with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Trevor Nunn. The song is based on the poem “Rhapsody on a Windy Night” by T.S. Eliot, and it is sung by the character Grizabella, a former glamour cat who reflects on her past life.
“Memory” is a dramatic and emotional ballad that captures Grizabella’s longing for her former glory days and her yearning for redemption. The song’s haunting melody and powerful lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia, regret, and hope, as Grizabella sings of her desire to be accepted and loved once again.
“Memory” has become one of the most famous and beloved songs from “Cats” and has been recorded by numerous artists in various styles. Its timeless appeal and universal themes of loss and redemption have made it a classic that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
9. Woman in Love
“Woman in Love” is a song recorded by Barbra Streisand, written by Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, and released in 1980 on Streisand’s album “Guilty.” The song became one of Streisand’s biggest hits, topping the charts in several countries and earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
“Woman in Love” is a dramatic ballad that showcases Streisand’s powerful vocals and emotional range. The lyrics speak of the intense feelings of being in love and the vulnerability that comes with opening oneself up to another person.
The song’s melody is sweeping and melodic, with a lush orchestral arrangement that adds to its romantic and cinematic quality. “Woman in Love” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of Streisand’s signature songs.
Over the years, “Woman in Love” has remained a fan favorite and a classic of Streisand’s repertoire. Its timeless message about love and longing has resonated with audiences around the world, making it one of her most enduring hits.
10. The Way We Were
“The Way We Were” is a classic pop song performed by Barbra Streisand, with music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. It was recorded for the soundtrack of the 1973 film of the same name, starring Streisand and Robert Redford.
The song is a nostalgic ballad that reflects on a past romantic relationship, evoking memories of love, longing, and bittersweet reminiscence. Streisand’s emotive vocals, coupled with the song’s lush orchestration and poignant lyrics, create a powerful and unforgettable musical experience.
“The Way We Were” became one of Streisand’s signature songs and a massive commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries and winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song. It remains one of the most iconic and enduring ballads in popular music history, capturing the hearts of listeners for generations with its timeless beauty and emotional resonance.